Study Abroad

Semester/Academic Year Study Abroad Q & A

What is Study Abroad?
It is an opportunity to earn Pacific University academic credit for courses taken at a foreign university or taught by a Pacific University faculty member in another country.

What types of study abroad programs are available?
Pacific University offers long-term study abroad programs, which allow students to study abroad for a semester or an entire academic year. Students can also participate in short-term study abroad programs offered typically during the Winter III term in January, or in early summer. Short-term programs are led by a Pacific faculty member, and usually consist of one intensive 3-credit class.

Which office on campus administers study abroad programs?
The Office of International Programs oversees all study abroad at Pacific, and manages and coordinates all semester/academic year programs for undergraduate students.  Short-term programs are led and administered by individual faculty members. Programs will be listed in the class schedule, and students should contact these faculty members for detailed information. The International Programs Office, however, maintains a list of programs.

What is the deadline for application?
The application deadline for Pacific semester/academic year programs is the second Friday in February for all programs offered in Fall and Spring Semester of the next academic year. Application forms and informational brochures about all semester/academic year study abroad programs are available in the International Programs Office.

What about cost?
For semester/academic year programs students pay standard Pacific tuition, room and board. If meals are not included in the program board charges will not be assessed.

Can I use my financial aid?
Students are able to use their federal aid and Pacific scholarships to pay for their semester/academic year study abroad program. In most cases the cost of attendance calculated by the financial aid office will be increased to account for additional miscellaneous costs associated with study abroad participation. Depending on a student's specific aid package this change could increase eligibility for federal financial aid loans.

Is additional financial assistance provided?
Yes. Pacific will provide up to $750 for each participant in a semester/academic year program to assist with transportation to and from the study abroad site.

Will it take me longer to graduate?
Not usually. Credits earned abroad in a Pacific-affiliated program count toward graduation at Pacific up to a maximum of 31 credits. However, it is important for students to consult with their faculty advisors to determine which courses taken abroad can and cannot be used toward their majors and satisfy other specific University requirements.

What level of language preparation do I need?
The equivalent of at least two years of college-level language preparation is required for non-English study abroad programs. However, several programs taught in English or in English-speaking countries are also available.

Are programs only for language majors?
No! Although study abroad is required for a major in modern languages and international studies, it is open to all students who meet the selection criteria, and encouraged for students across all academic areas.

What are the eligibility requirements?
To be eligible for participation in semester/academic year study abroad, students - typically in their junior or senior year - must demonstrate proper personal and academic preparation for the program, be in good academic standing, and have attended Pacific full time for at least one semester. In general, students will not be permitted to study abroad in their sophomore year unless they can demonstrate a compelling academic reason for doing so. Applicants are generally expected to have an overall GPA of at least 2.75. For language programs, completion of at least two years of college-level language study, and a minimum 3.0 GPA in language classes are required.

What if I am interested in a program not offered by Pacific?
The University strongly encourages students to participate in approved programs, since this enables the use of financial aid and facilitates the credit transfer process. However, in some instances, Pacific may not offer a program that adequately fulfils the academic needs of a student. In such a case a student can petition the Study Abroad Committee for approval of a program that does meet their needs. However the petitioning process is time consuming and should not be undertaken unless a student can persuasively demonstrate why currently approved programs do not meet their needs, and that the provider offering the proposed program is reliable and reputable. If you wish to submit a petition, you should contact the International Programs Office to make an appointment with the Study Abroad Advisor.

Who do I contact?
If you are interested in learning more about semester/academic year programs, you can visit the International Programs Office to pick up informational brochures, or call (503) 352-1600 to make an appointment with Stephen Prag, Director of International Programs and Study Abroad Advisor. You can also request an appointment by email at: intlprograms@pacificu.edu